Most people realize that the air in their homes is often more polluted than the air outside. Installing a range hood in the kitchen will help filter some of that air. There are other advantages to having a range hood as well, including:
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keeping walls from getting greasy
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helping to eliminate peeling of paint from the walls
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eliminating musty smells from carpets, curtains or other items
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eliminating the smell from foods that you cook or bake
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removing smoke and/or steam
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helping to eliminate the odor of toxic chemicals used for cleaning
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getting rid of potentially hazardous carbon dioxide.
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taking moisture and hot air out of the room
To ensure that your range hood works properly, it should be installed about 24 inches from the top of your range. If you purchase a hood with a very strong fan, it can be upwards of 30 inches. The hood should ideally vent air to outside the house. The best are metal, ducted hoods. Ductless hoods perform similar tasks, but send the air past a filter and then re-circulate it back into the room. If you have one of these, you need to change the filter about every six to twelve months.
Metal filters can be washed and put back in. Some ductless hoods can also be converted, so they vent the air to the outside. No matter what type you have, never send a duct into your attic or garage, as pollutants, grease and moister will collect there. However, duct extensions that can go to the chimney are available. 
When looking for a range hood, you need to be sure it has enough power to filter any pollutants from your kitchen.
You also need to take into consideration both the size you need and how loud it operates. The hood should be the length of your range or longer. You must also buy the duct in the appropriate size. If it is too small, airflow will be restricted. When you install it, try to avoid having a long and winding duct, as this will also affect performance. For proper maintenance, you need to keep your range hood clean. Grease in particular can become a fire hazard. When you purchase a hood, ask if it has a surface that is easy to clean. Some hoods also have lights for more convenience. Some have timers that shut the fan off after a certain amount of time. Some hoods tuck neatly under your cabinets and only need to be slid out when necessary and there are also hoods that can be installed above islands. Hoods today also come in a variety of styles. Some are stainless steel, copper and some are even tile. You can even get a hood in a paneling to match your cupboards. If you live in the Los Angeles County area and need maintenance, parts or repair to your range hood, go to www.chiefappliance.com. Service technicians are available nights, weekends and on holidays. If you need to replace your range hood, Chief Appliances also has various models for you to choose from.
